The ANGLO-BOER WAR 1899-1902

B. Gee, Bootmaker and McGettigan merchant.

Databases

New
Zealand's Participation in the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902.Database of all
those who served is based on the AJHR Embarkation Rolls. Try searching under Timaru, Waimate, Levels, Mackenzie etc. Check
all derivatives. Database can also be searched by contingent.

The
AJHR -
keyword Nominal Rolls.
1900-02, H6 contains the
nominal and casualty rolls for the ten contingents. Available in the
New Zealand Room, Christchurch City Library and other main libraries
and online.
New Zealand's soldiers in the Boer War are listed by contingent (Nominal Rolls)
in the AJHR for
1900,1901,1902
6th,
7th,
8th,
9thetract,
10th Contingent; H series, H6, H6A,H6B which give: name, address, occupation and
next-of-kin. The
AJHR

Watt, Steve. IN MEMORIAM: Roll of Honour, Imperial Forces: Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902.
Pietermaritzburg: University of Natal Press, 2000. 479 p. ISBN: 0-86980-968-7 Provides the
surname, initials, rank, regiment no. (in NZ's case contingent), cause of death,
place of death, date, interred, monument remarks and reference of each individual of the Imperial Forces who died during the South African
War1899-1902, and those who died during the period of occupation up to 1913
and where they are buried, now this is not just New Zealand but the whole
British Empire. The remarks and reference are sparse. The listing covers over
25,000 people who died and details. Includes those who died on Somes Island in
Wellington harbour of pneumonia and other causes.

There were 232 deaths in the ten New Zealand Contingents. The GRO list has all but 9 of the 185 who died in South Africa, plus
one who died in Beira, Portuguese East Africa and one who was seriously injured but survived (L. A. Ditely).
British forces (including Colonial forces) deaths in the South African War are listed in:
The English GRO (General Registry Office) Overseas or "ancillary" death registration fiches F533-F539:
"Natal and South African Field Force Deaths 1899-1902 (Regular and Irregular Forces)".
It is possible to order an English death certificate. The index fiche has surname, initials & regiment/unit.
The certificate would probably just have that plus the date of death, age and place
(i.e. it would not have the birthplace or full name). There is a set in the National Library, Wellington and in the Auckland Public Library.
Causalities numbers

Of the members of the Third Contingent who at some time have been connected about Waimate, V.W.
O'Farrell goes as sergeant; C.A. Wilson, being an orderly officer, goes as sergeant. C.Y.
Ward as farrier, and H. Munro, J. Cooper and T. Kelcher as troopers. Waimate
Advertiser 20 Feb, 1900.

Evening Post, 7 December 1900, Page 6TIMARU, This Day. The Mayor has received a cablegram from Captain Crawshaw
stating that Farrier-Sergeant R. E. Smith, of Timaru, who was wounded at
Reitfontein, has died from his injuries.

The AJHR lists are not complete, and other names can be added from the Medal
Rolls (for QSA and KSA): including about 63 from 7th NZ Contingent and 11
recruited into the Hotchkiss Battery, 2nd NZ Contingent in South Africa. Most
were enrolled in NZ, but some enlisted in South Africa. Deaths by contingent are
listed in: AJHR H6A, 1903 (15 pages) gives NoK, particulars of death and usually
locality of grave, although bodies in isolated graves were reburied in 7
cemeteries by late 1905. It includes 6 names not in the Nominal Rolls. There
were also brief interim death lists in AJHR 1900 H6N (to 12 Sept 1900, no
date/place) and H6E 1901 (to 3 Oct 1901, gives date/place). Other printed lists
(Rolls) of the NZ Contingents are in: (1) Military Pensions (Amendment) Acts
1901 No 53, 1902 No 59, 1903 No 31 (Appendixes), and (2) Roll of Honour 1840 to
1902, 'Defenders of the Empire Resident in NZ' (Ranfurly Roll) compiled by the
Earl of Ranfurly, printed in 1902 by The NZ Times: pages 50-94.

British
Queen�s South Africa Medal, 1899-1902, with five clasps, Cape
Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa
1902 (Silver, Queen Victoria, type 3) impressed 3760 Corpl: W. McDonald,
New Zealand M.R. Was awarded to British and Colonial units which fought in the
Boer War. The Cape Colony clasp was awarded to British and Colonial units
which served in the Cape Colony between October 11, 1899, and May 31, 1902, and
which were not entitled to the Defence of Kimberley, Relief of Kimberley,
Defence of Mafeking, Relief of Mafeking, or Natal clasps.
The Orange Free State clasp - served in the Orange River Colony between February
28, 1900, and May 31, 1902.
The Transvaal clasp served in the Transvaal between May 24, 1900, and May 31,
1902.
The South Africa 1901 clasp - served at the front in South Africa between
January 1 and December 31, 1901.
The South Africa 1902 clasp - served at the front in South Africa between
Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 1902.

There is a substantial collection of letters and diaries and other
material in the Alexander Turnbull Library, the Auckland War Memorial Museum, Canterbury
Museum, and the Hocken Library in Dunedin. Those records do not include an official war
history.

Boer War fiches (ONS No. F533-F539) are held in the Family History
section of the NZ National Library, Wellington.

NZ Defence Dept. Library (Ground Floor, Stout Street, Wellington)

Publications: Will give you a greater
appreciation of service soldiers saw in South Africa. It is advisable to cross-referencing various sources and note discrepancies in each source.

Crawford, John To Fight for The Empire, Reed 1999 illustrated

Dooner, M.G. The Last Post. Covers officers who died in the war

Hall, D.O.W The New Zealanders in South Africa 1899-1902 for the War
History Branch, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington 1949

Hawdon, Sarah Elizabeth. New Zealanders and the Boer War, or, Soldiers from the
Land of the Moa. Christchurch: Gordon and Gotch, 1902[Timaru Herald Friday December 1899Lieutenant Hawdon, formerly of Christchurch City Rifles, and now of the 24th
Regiment, India, has at his own request, obtained a transfer to active
service in South Africa. Refers to a son of Mr Hawdon, of Peel Forest, who
is well known in South Canterbury.[

Moore, James G. Harle With the Fourth New Zealand Rough Riders. Dunedin:
Otago Daily Times and Witness Newspapers Co., 1906.

Perham, Trooper F. The Kimberley Flying Column: Boer War Reminiscences.92pp, pictures, Timaru 1957. Perham served in the
Fifth
ContingentNo. 14 company (Canterbury section) which sailed on the
Maori
31 March1900

Stirling John, The Colonials in South Africa. 1907,
Edinburgh, details the service of the New Zealand Contingents. A total of 78
Victoria Crosses were awarded during the Second Boer War.

Stowers, Richard Rough Riders at War : history of New Zealand's involvement in the Anglo-Boer War 1899-1902 and information on all members of the ten New Zealand contingents / Richard Stowers.
204 pages. Map. 2002. Publisher Richard
Stowers,
Hamilton, NZ.

Eight letters written by Corporal Whitehead from Addington Camp and the troopship
"Cornwall"
before his arrival in South Africa. Jessie Whitehead compiled a scrapbook about
the Eight Contingent Railway accident. David Lunam Whitehead was killed in a railway
accident at Machavie in the Transvaal. Jessie was his sister. Hocken Library.

Timaru's South African War
Memorial

Colonist, 24 February 1905, Page 4
MEMORIAL TO FALLEN TROOPERS.
Timaru, February 23, This afternoon the Governor unveiled the memorial to
twenty-seven deceased troopers of South Canterbury. Mr Craigie, the Mayor, the
Hon. W. Hall-Jones and Archdeacon Harper also spoke. Afterwards the Governor
inspected 370 school cadets. The memorial consists of a figure of a trooper,
standing at ease, six feet six inches high, in marble, upon a solid granite die
arid base. It is ten feet high above the gray stone steps. A suitable
inscription and the names of the 27 dead troopers appear on it.
Unveiling.

In a small park formed by the intersections of King St.,
Memorial Ave. and Catherine St., Timaru there is a statue of a soldier on a pedestal. On
the faces of the pedestal are polished granite tablets. The original 303
replica rifle was taken 10 years ago [Y2K] and a replacement had to be made.
Between Dec. 2009 and Feb 2010 it was stolen 2x. Why? The gun had not
originally been part of the statue. It used to be at the old Drill Hall on
High St and was shifted in the 1920s.
Without The
Boer War statue and the cenotaph were linked by Memorial Avenue which was
lined with ash trees whose seeds were collected from trees in France after
World War 1.

Ashburton Guardian, 20 May 1903,
Page 2
Timaru Troopers' Memorial. Last night the Timaru Deceased Troopers' Memorial
Committee finally selected a design for a memorial from twenty-two sent in.
The design approved is a marble figure of a New Zealand trooper in action,
standing loading a rifle. The figure is six feet high, on a massive block of
polished marble, five feet high and four feet square, on local blue stone
bases. The total height of the memorial is 17 feet. The price is �450. The
committee have just this amount in hand.

Troopers Memorial in its original location adjacent to Alexandra Square
because the drill hall was nearby. Note the Drill Hall in the background on
High Street. The undivided verso includes the credit "Published by H J
Anderson, No.1". Photographer William Ferrier. The Troopers memorial was
unveiled on 23 February 1905. Following the First World War the memorial was
moved to its present site about 1929 to a triangle of grass bounded by King
Street, Catherine Street and Memorial Avenue. On Anzac Days in the past the
parade walked up Memorial Ave (previously
Charles Street) past the Troopers Memorial to the cenotaph
commemorating those lost in the Great War. The contractor was Mr McBride.

The Front Tablet reads:

This memorial is erected by the
inhabitants of Timaru and District to
the memory of those of their Soldier Sons who died in action or from
wounds or disease during the Boer War 1899 - 1902
--They deserve well of their country.

Timaru Herald, 1 September 1904,
Page 3 THE DECEASED TROOPERS' MEMORIAL
NAMES TO BE INSCRIBED. It is intended to inscribe on the Deceased Troopers'
Memorial at Timaru the names of all the men hailing from South Canterbury who
lost their lives by battle or disease in South Africa, and" whether they
belonged to New Zealand contingents or to other forces. The Memorial Committee
has been supplied with an official list of members of the Contingents who lost
their lives, and from this the following names of South Canterbury men are
taken. The committee desire to be informed of the names of deceased South
Canterbury men who were members of other forces in South Africa. Some of the men
named below were in other parts of New Zealand when the Contingents were found,
and their addresses are given as belonging to those places, but a list of
next-of-kin identifies them more or less clearly with South Canterbury. We give
the names as they occur on the official list, and the number of the Contingent
in parenthesis
Pvt. Charles Edward Smith, Kaikoura (3), died of enteric at Pretoria.
Corp. David Fogarty, Renwicktown (10), died of pneumonia at Newcastle.
Corp. William Byrne, Ellesmere (1), killed in action at Klipriversburg.
Pvt. Frank Bourn, Timaru (2), died of enteric at Johannesburg.
Farrier-Sergt. Robert Edward Smith. Timaru (2), died of wounds at Bronkhurst
Spruit.
Pvt. Thomas Lorimer Scott, Timaru (3), died of gangrene at Pretoria.
Pvt. William. Nelthorp Moffatt, Beaconsfield (3), died of enteric at
Johannesburg.
Pvt. Daniel Clarke, Temuka (5), killed in action at Wessel's Farm.
Pvt. Ernest Robert Barrar, Timaru (5), died of enteric at Kimberley.
Pvt. Alexander Henry McKay, Silverstream (6), died of enteric at Wakkerstroom.
Pvt. William Matthews, Gleniti (6), missing.
Lance-Corpl. William Roddick Temuka (7). killed in
action at
Langverwaeht (Bothesburg).
Pvt. John Counihan, Pleasant Point (7), killed in action at
Langverwaeht
Pvt. William Gibb Monahan, Temuka (7), killed in action at Langverwaeht.
Pvt. Walter Stevenson, Timaru (7), killed in action at Langverwaeht.
Pvt. Alfred John Whitney, Timaru or Waimate (7), killed in action at
Langverwaeht.
Pvt. Daniel McKay, Geraldine (5), died of inflammation of lungs at Temuka after
return from South Africa.
Other names have been mentioned which are not included in the official list.
These are �Private T. M. Freeman, of Waimate, and Privates R. C. Coker, H.
O'Hagan and Harrison, of Timaru.

Newspaper snippets from Papers Past

Timaru Herald Friday 29 December 1899Farewell at the Temuka Volunteer Hall to Captain Hayhurst who is leaving for
Wellington to join the contingent. A supper had been spread by Mr
O'Donoghue, and about 300 sat down to partake of it. Several officers of
other companies were present. including Majors Young and Jowsey, Captains
Richardson and Cutten, Lieutenants Felden, Foden and Crawshaw. All wished
Captain Hayhurst and Lieutenant Findlay and all fellow colonist in the
Transvaal every success.Mr Frank Simmons, of Compstall, has presented a horse to the South
Canterbury Contingent for use in the Transvaal. The horse is a beautiful bay
standing 125.3 and a first rate fence, just the sort required. Mr T.
Teschemaker as offered two horses, and Mr R. Brookland, Pareora one. Mr
Empson, stock inspector goes today to inspect these three animals, and if
suitable will bring them to Timaru for veterinary inspection. Mr Empson is
the local officer to whom such offers are made.

Timaru Herald Friday December 1899Three members of the Waimate Rifles,
Corporals Collet and Gladstone, and
Private Goldstone, having volunteered for service in South Africa, left
yesterday by the express for Christchurch, to be inspected previous to the
acceptance of their offer. They were accompanied by a number of their
comrades and of the townspeople. In honour of the occasion the Union Jack
was flying at the satin.

Timaru Herald Monday 1st January 1900On Saturday Troopers Greig, Thoreau, King, and Smith of the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles,
Private West of the City Rifles, and Private Brown, of the Timaru Rifles, whose services have been accepted for South Africa, and who join the camp at Wellington in
readiness to take their departure by the Waiwera in about two weeks. Added to the train there was a horse truck containing four horses for the contingent. The pick "Von Moltke," the Hospital staff's gift to Volunteer Brown. Two other's given by Mr T. Teschemaker and one by Mr
R. Bell, of Waimate, a reliable hunter. 2nd Jan. Trooper Connolly, a Temuka member of the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles,
received word yesterday to leave for Wellington by last night's express to join the contingent. The departure of
Captain Hayhurst on Saturday was the cause of a great outburst of patriotic feeling.

Timaru Herald, 15 May 1900, Page 2
Trooper Ernest Talbot, of the South Canterbury Mounted Rifles, and the
eldest son of Mr George Talbot, of Kingsdown, left by the express yesterday
for Dunedin where he joins the steamer Ormazon, bound for South Africa. He
is one of the men picked to go in charge of the remounts. A number of his
comrades of the Mounted Rifles and friends assembled to see him off, and
gave him three hearty cheers. Trooper Talbot intends to join one of the New
Zealand Contingents in South Africa. Mr Harold Bailey, son of Colonel
Bailey, goes by the same boat.

Southland Times 23 July 1900, Page 3
Wellington, July 22,
The Premier has received a cable from the High Commissioner reporting the
following casualties among the New Zealand Mounted Infantry at Reitville on
the 16th July : Severely wounded : Lieut. John Findlay (Temuka)
missing : Captain L. Bourne (Timaru), Privates A. Cone (Rangiora), C. E
Cross (Fairlie), R.D. Smith (Waimate)
The Premier has also received information that 160 of our men have been
taken into the South African police service, and 100 of the men who went to
Biera under Captain Major, have passed into the Imperial service.

Star, 18 September 1900, Page 3The Premier has received the following cable message from Sir Alfred Milder,
dated Sept. 17: The following New Zealand prisoners of war were released at Novitgedacht: Troopers R. D. Smith, Waimate; A.C. Cone, Rangiora; C. E. Cross, Fairlie.; This accounts for all the New Zealand prisoners
who were captured at Reitvlei [Reitville] on July 16.

Timaru Herald, 11 December 1900, Page 3 LETTERS FROM THE FRONT. Mr
B. Could has received a. couple of letters from his son, Horace B. Gould, of
Brabant's Horse. The first is doted Vet Kops, October 20th, and states that
the Colonial Division had expected to be disbanded on the 18th, but owing to
De Wet being still at large they were asked by Lord Roberts to stop until
hostilities ceased, and they had agreed to do so on condition that they were
not kept longer than February 21st. He describes the rations they have had,
as four biscuits, as hard as flint, and lib of bully (boulli) beef, per day,
.the latter resembling stringy bark, but very often they are away from
supplied and have only two biscuits. Some of the men spend most of their pay
m buying food when they come near a town, but Gould prefers to save his pay
and make up for his slack belt when he returns to New Zealand. The men have
rum served out twice a week, and Gould says he sells his for 2s 6d each
time, and that keeps him going m candles, matches, etc. They had been
expecting a big fight on the 19th. "It did not come off, through the Border
Rifles and the Kafrarian Rifles laying down their arms' and refusing to go
forward owing to their unwillingness to serve any longer, as they are time
expired. I don't know yet how it is going to be fixed up we can't very well
do without them." Brabant's Horse were working with Kitchener's Horse and
the Australian Bushmen. Harold Bailey is m the former, but I have not seen
him yet. I was told to-day he was there, so I am going to try to get to
their camp, about three miles away." The country, he says, "will be m a bad
state when we are done with it. Every house we come to we ask for the man
that owns it, and if he is absent, and his wife can give no satisfactory
reason for his absence, we commandeer whatever is worth taking, then burn
the whole_ place, sending the women and children to the nearest town. De Wet
is doing his country a lot of harm by fighting now. If he passes a house he
will shoot the owner if he refuses to come and fight, so the man cannot help
himself. Then we come soon after and burn the place down because the man is
away, so the burghers are m a very unenviable position."

Evening Post, 30 January 1901, Page 5Sir Alfred Milner has cabled to the Government that Private O. K. Ward, of
Port Chalmers (Fourth Contingent), died of enteric fever at Johannesburg on
25th January, and that Private T. R. Moss, of Winchester, Canterbury
(Third Contingent) is dangerously ill at Pretoria.

Taranaki Herald, 8 January 1900, Page 3Among the officers appointed to the second New Zealand contingent is
Captain Hayhurst, of Temuka, This gentleman has an income of about �5000
a year. He has one- of the finest estates in South Canterbury. He leaves
behind him a wife and five children. He was educated at the Leys School,
Cambridge; under the famous Dr. Moulton. He was appointed a J.P. 16 years
ago, and was the youngest magistrate ever appointed in the colony. In
November last Mr Hayhurst was elected first Mayor of Temuka. He is a member
of the Diocesan Synod of Canterbury, a churchwarden of St., Savior's,
Temuka, and is closely identified with nearly all the public and charitable
institutions in his district."

The officers of the South Canterbury Battalion and citizens of Timaru intend
presenting a testimonial to Major Jowsey, Commander of the Canterbury
Contingent, before he leaves Timaru, and a meeting for this purpose has been
arranged to take place to-night.

Evening Post, 12 February 1900, Page 5NEW ZEALAND'S ROUGHRIDERS.
The Government has now definitely appointed Major Jowsey to command the
Third Contingent. MAJOR JOWSEY'S
CAREER.
Major Thomas Jowsey, who has been
chosen for the command of the Rough Riders is (says the Lyttelton Times) a
native of Middlesbrough, England. He served for seven years in ,the 15th
(King's) Hussars, most of the time in , India. He was fencing and gymnastic
instructor to the Regiment and Military School at Poona for some time, and
was in the Commissariat Department at Meerut. He retired by purchase and
married, and after remaining a year or two at Home, came to New Zealand just
20 years ago, and obtained the appointment of steward and dispenser at
Timaru Hospital, a position he has ever since held. He joined the Timaru
Rifles as lieutenant under Captain J. W. White soon after settling in
Timaru, and is now major of the South Canterbury battalion. At the annual
camps under Colonel Gordon he has filled every staff office, and has every
year been selected for some staff duty. Major Jowsey has not taken part in
any public duties apart from volunteering, but as an officer of the South
Canterbury Hospital Board he was highly esteemed personally, and was valued
for his services. He has only one son, who is a trooper in the Canterbury
Troop.

Evening Post, 16 March 1900TIMARU, This Day. Dr. Thomas, Captain of the Timaru Port Guards, goes to
Wellington to-morrow to be surgeon to the Fifth Contingent.

Evening Post, 17 January 1900, Page 5
OUR SECOND CONTINGENT. Among the officers appointee to the Second New Zealand Contingent is Captain
Hayhurst, of Temuka. This gentleman has an income of about �500 a year. He
has one of the finest estates in South Canterbury. He leaves behind him a
wife and live children.

Otago Witness, 17 May 1900, Page 42By the s.s. Fernfield, which left Timaru on Thursday, two young men,
H. Gould and S. Cuthbert took passage to South Africa. They are bent on
trying their luck there (says the Herald)-, and intend working their way to
the front, with a possibility of joining one or other other of the New
Zealand contingents already on the scene of operations.

Evening Post, 13 June 1900, Page 6CAPTAIN HAYHURST INTERVIEWED. Captain Hayhurst was interviewed in the
Paparoa's smoking-room. He expressed his disappointment at hearing the
dictum of three, medical officers that he must drop out of the campaign. The
Captain said he was suffering from an old internal complaint which the long
hours spent in the saddle have aggravated. But the doctors told him it was
useless of him to continue under the pain and strain. "Just us I was
enjoying myself, too," said he. He went on to say that Major Cradock had men
to be proud of, men "grafted" had, who were given the hardest work to do,
and who were never so happy as when they were fighting. The Major himself
worked harder than any other member of the Contingent, and was very
considerate to his men. Whilst Captain Hayhurst was with the Contingent he
found that food was always plentiful. Our men learned lot in the matter of
scouting through being associated with the Canadians, who were a fine lot of
fellows. The British officers proved to be rather exclusive, and kept to
themselves both in camp and on the march. So far as the Captain could
gather, the general impression in South Africa was that guerilla warfare
would succeed the main engagements and that the Boers would prove
troublesome for some time to come. As Captain Hayhurst is a landowner in the Temuka district, he was asked for
his opinion as to the appearance of South Africa (is compared with New
Zealand. He replied that the portion of which he had travelled - the centre of the
Free State "was not worth living in. The best of what he had seen was to be
compared to the worse land he had seen in New Zealand.... The men of the
Contingent, who went out to South Africa, hoping to take up laud there were
grievously disappointed at the poor appearance of the country. They, like
himself, were now satisfied that their own colony, was hard to beat for
settlement purposes. Captain Hayhurst intends spending a few weeks at
Rotorua before going home to Temuka. Mrs. Hayhurst joined her husband in
Wellington this morning.

New Zealand Free Lance, 11 August
1900, Page 3Dr Thomas, of Timaru, who went away with our Fifth Contingent to seek
excitement in South Africa, has sent word that he has been attached to
Carrington's force. The little doctor nursed Timaru Rhodes throughout his
illness a few years ago, and on the death of the wealthy Rhodes� a family
which has a large hand upon the material wealth of other places than
Rhodesia � he married the young widow. Mrs Rhodes brought her husband an
income of �4,000 a year. Little wonder
that with such prosperity Dr Thomas found Timaru dull and quiet. Captain
Hayhurst, who has a rent roll of �5,000 a year, found Timaru and Temuka
combined so dull that he sought a change in South Africa � and found the
work hard, the rations uncertain, the water without any whisky, and the
ground without any soft spots. So he came back.

Evening Post, 21 July 1900, Page 6CASUALTIES AMONG THE NEW ZEALANDERS.
A CONSIDERABLE LIST. The Premier has received a cablegram from the High
Commissioner of British South Africa, reporting the following casualties
among the mounted infantry 'at Reitvile on 16th July : � Severely wounded � Lieut. John Findlay (Temuka).
Missing � Captain L. Bourne Third Contingent, TimaruPrivates A. Cone (Rangiora), C. E. Cross (Fairlie),
R. D. Smith
(Waimate)

Timaru Herald Wednesday Dec. 5 1900The Timaru Main School had a holiday yesterday, in honour of
Captain
Crawshaw, their teacher absent on leave in South Africa, "being
mentioned in despatches" for gallantry in the field. Wounded.

New Zealand Free Lance, 8 December 1900, Page 3Wellington has had an interesting personage within its gates during the week
in "Banjo" Paterson. Thanks to his rollicking lines in the "Bulletin" during
the past ten years, "Banjo" is a name which is known throughout the Southern
Seas as well in Wellington as in Sydney. This is the poet's first visit to Maoriland, but he assures us that it won't be his last. He would like to
linger longer here, but that he desires to be in at the Commonwealth
festivities. According to "Banjo" Paterson the New Zealanders have earned a
solid reputation in South Africa as adepts in the art of looting. In spite
of the prohibition of the Provost-Marshal against the practice, they "got
there" every time. It was no uncommon sight, saith the veracious chronicler,
to see a New Zealand sergeant palavering with a Dutch vow at the front
door while in the back-yard the troopers were chasing and murdering the
poultry. "Banjo" says he never saw an Australian or a New Zealander pay for
anything, and yet they never were without turkeys, pigs, and poultry. They
were left to look after their own feeding, and they looked after it
uncommonly well.

Timaru Herald Friday Dec. 71900The Casualties at Reitfontein.
Capetown, Dec. 5thSecond Contingent Dangerously wounded: Farrier-Sergeant R.E. Smith (Timaru).
Second Contingent: Trooper J. Goldstone (Waimate)Second Contingent: Captain Crawshaw (Timaru)Mr Crawshaw, father, at Oamaru received a telegram. His son has a slight
wound in the abdomen, not penetrating. He is now at Pretoria.

From Papers Past - a combination of the articles
with spelling variationsGrey River Argus, 24 July 1900, Page 2Otago Witness, 26 July 1900, Page 28Evening Post, 24 July 1900, Page 5Hawke's Bay Herald, 24 July 1900, Page 3New Zealanders Who Joined
South African Police ForceWellington, July 17 The following is the list of members of the New ZealandContingent who have joined the Police in South Africa -
Second ContingentW Butcher (Waimate)W Clouston (Geraldine)J Greig
(South Canterbury)
L G O'Callaghan (Christchurch)

Otago Witness, 17 April 1901, Page 17
Miss Carson, who volunteered as a nurse for the South African campaign, and left
Timaru fully a year ago, returned on Sunday last to her home in Christchurch.
She was nursing in the Portland Hospital for some time, and also in the hospital
at Pretoria. After that she did duty on one of the troopships from Capetown to
London, which carried some 800 convalescent patients. She remained in London for
three months before returning to the colony.

Timaru Herald, 9 May 1900, Page 3
Trooper W. Kidd, of Major Jowsey's Rough-Riders, writes from East London,
March 28th, to his parents at Albury, a most interesting letter, extracts
from which are kindly placed at our disposal. The Rough-riders left Albany
on March 3rd, and after a most pleasant trip reached Durban on March 20th.
Eleven horses were lost. On St. Patrick's Day, 17th March, a most enjoyable
concert was held on deck. After a two days' stay at Durban the Knight
Templar was ordered on to East London, and got there on the 23rd.- It
was on the 26th that i they landed and another horse died as they were
making fast to the wharf. As the Rough-Riders lauded on the wharf they gave
the Maori war cry, which startled and amused the townsfolk. Some of the
Kaffirs tried their hind at imitating it. The people entertained the
Bough-Riders at a smoke concert, at which there was a large gathering, the
guests including Colonel Smythe and officers of the Norfolk and Munater
Regiments, and Dr Gonan Doyle. Major Jowsey in responding to the toast of
his men, said that they had come along way, but would go as far again.
(Cheers.) They had come to lend a helping hand their one object was to
maintain the honour of the Old Flag. (Prolonged cheers.) The war cry was
again given, and had to be twice repeated.

Evening Post, 27 July 1901, Page 5The Premier has received the following cable from Capetown: � At Lindique,
18th July � Seventh Contingent, Walter Miller (Lower Hutt) and William
Rutherford (Glen-iti, Timaru), both slightly wounded.

Evening Post, 7 August 1901, Page 6
RETURNED TROOPERS.DUNEDIN, This Day. Forty troopers from South Africa, returned by the Waihora
this morning, and wore met and welcomed at the wharf. Lieutenant Elder, of
Wellington, is in charge The Northern men will leave to-morrow. With the
exception of one or two who are suffering from measles, all are in fairly
good health. Trooper O'Hagan, of the Imperial Light Horse, belonging to
either Oamaru or Timaru, died on board the troopship Britannic, and was
buried at sea.

Colonist, 20 September 1897, Page 3
Lieut. A. W. Bailey, who is reported as killed at Rombat, is a son of
Lieut.-Col. Bailey, the officer commanding the South Canterbury Volunteer,
district. He went to India between two and three years ago.

Evening Post, 17 December 1901, Page 5THE DISTRICT QUOTAS. The Acting-Commandant of the New Zealand Forces (Major
Owen) has issued detailed general instructions to the officers commanding
the different districts', and from those orders we take the following
information : Recruits are to be drawn from the following centres in
in the proportion given : Canterbury district � Culverden, Rangiora, Sheffield,
Fairlie, and
Waimate 6 each, Ashburton and Timaru 12 each, Christchurch 148 ;
total, 202 rank and file. When each battalion is mobilised, it will have the
following officers: Battalion staff� Commander, second in command,
adjutant, paymaster, quartermaster, regimental sergt. major, regimental
quartermaster sergeant, assistant Q.M.S., orderly - room sergeant and
corporal ; medical staff, two surgeon-captains, two dispensers (corporals),
veterinary surgeon-captain and his dispenser. Each of the four companies
forming a battalion will have a captain, four lieutenants, a sergeant-major,
quartermastersergt., four sergeants, two farrier-sergts., a saddler-sergt.,
six corporals, and a bugler. The whole contingent will therefore have eight
captains and 32 subalterns. Officers commanding districts are instructed to appoint
Recruiting Boards at each centre at once, the Boards to consist of two
volunteer officers (preferably officers of mounted corps), and one medical
officer. The services of the Government, Medical Health Officers are to be
utilised where possible. Officers of the Volunteer Medical Staff may also be
pressed into the service, and receive pay as per regulations for three days.
In cases where the medical officer is a Government Health Officer, 5s per
man passed is to be paid, and 7s 6d per man when the examination is by a
Volunteer Medical Staff officer. No travelling expenses are to be paid to
medical men, but free railway passes will be granted.

Auckland Star, 1 March 1902, Page 5 CASUALTY LIST.
The casualties to the Seventh New Zealand Mounteds near Vredo were as
follows: KILLED.
Lance-Corporal William Boddick, Temuka.
Privates: Walter Stevenson, Timaru. Herbert Timmos. Alfred Whitney, Timaru.
SEVERELY WOUNDED. Sergt. Charles Minifie, Temuka.
SLIGHTLY WOUNDED. William Boone, Waimate; William H. Cook, Temuka;
The men who sustained the brunt of the attack would appear to have been
drawn principally from the Southern and supplementary sections of the
Seventh Contingent

Hawera & Normanby Star, 19 February 1902, Page 2A. McKay, of the Sixth New Zealand Mounteds, died of enteric at Wakkerstroom.
This is probably Private Alexander Henry McKay, son of Mr John McKay,
Silverstream, Fairlie, and a member of the Canterbury special section of the
Sixth Contingent.

Otago Witness 15 February 1905, Page 1
Captain Muir, of Timaru, who was present at the unveiling ceremony saw a
considerable amount of service with the South Australian Bushmen in South
Africa. He is the proud possessor of both the Queen's and King's medals. On
the former medal he has bars for engagements at Belfast and Diamond Hill.

Evening Post, 6 October 1902, Page 5
NEW ZEALAND'S DEATH - ROLL. WHERE AND HOW THE MEN DIED.
The staff of the Defence Department has just completed a roll of historical
value, giving details of the casualties suffered by the ten contingents sent to
South Africa by New Zealand. Hitherto there has been no reliable list available
giving details of the deaths of New Zealanders, but in the list furnished us by
the courtesy of Lieut.-Colonel Chaytor, every detail is furnished, including the
deaths of the returned troopers on Somes Island The following table shows the
casualties of each contingent : �

Langverwacht Hill
-Twenty-four New Zealanders were killed in this battle. A total of 234 New
Zealanders died while on service in New Zealand's first overseas war.

At the beginning of February
1902, the Seventh Contingent formed part of one of the elite mounted columns,
in the second great sweeping "drives" organised by Lord Kitchner, with the
object of clearing the eastern Orange River colony. The sweep was from
the Natal frontier westwards, and the cordons were parallel lines of
blockhouses running east and west. Between these lines the Boers were
being pushed when a party of them escaped. General Christiaan De Wet decided to break
through the British cordon at Langverwacht Hill, a point on the line held by
the left wing of the Seventh Contingent. The New Zealand line consisted of small posts of
five or six men in small trenches or sangars. On the night of 23-24 February
a picked force of guerrillas drove a herd of cattle against the wire
entanglements connecting the British blockhouses, and followed themselves
and overwhelmed one of the New Zealand posts, then
turned left and advanced up the hill destroying each of the posts in turn in
ferocious close-quarter fighting. The Boers succeeded in opening up a gap
through which most of their force escaped. The New Zealanders, who were
reported to have 'displayed great gallantry and resolution', lost 24 men
killed and 41 wounded - a very high proportion of the 80 men engaged. Despite this setback, the drive was a qualified success, with 50 guerrillas
killed and nearly 800 taken prisoner. The price is heavy, but who will
regret it? Not those who have to pay it, we are sure.

The Star Saturday 1st
March 1902 The Gallant Seventh.
The minor events of the week are completely overshadowed by the South African
news yesterday. Last night all newspaper and post offices were thronged by
anxious relatives. To-day a feeling of general sadness is felt. But we can't
make cakes without breaking eggs. After all, the same number might soon have
filtered away, one by one, the victims of enteric. These have at least had a
chance to leave a glorious name, and they have done it.

100 years ago on October 21 1899 the first of ten New Zealand contingents
left Wellington, bound for South Africa to fight for Britain in the South African
War. TheFirst Contingentwere
required to supply their own mount and expected to contribute �25 to the cost of their
own equipment. A few exceptions were made. High stand of physique and horsemanship
were demanded.From the small districts of New Zealand nearly
6500 volunteer troops, 3.5% of the adult male population, and nurses along with 8000
horses went to South Africa in an extraordinary outpouring of patriotism that brought
parades, crowded send-offs for the troop ships, and much public fundraising for the war
effort. Many districts and firms contributed the horses and tack. The
Thirdand Fourth
Contingents were essentially paid for by private contributions.
South Canterbury contributed 11,000 sacks of oats for horse feed. Disease was a
serious problem, and the New Zealand units lost 133 men from illness, and that was twice
the number as from, killed in action 71. Maoris were not allowed to fight in the war.
Twenty-five soldiers were killed accidentally. Many New Zealanders were named after
Boer war heroes.

In Dunedin on February 3, 1900 the Premier informed the Patriotic
Committee that a new Contingent comprising at least 300 men would be sent to the Cape, the company which Otago and Southland had
previously undertaken to raise by private subscription being the principal company. The contingent embarked at Port Chalmers 29th March.
Various sub-committees were set up to superintend the details of selection, equipment, etc., and a commencement was made to organise the fourth contingent on February 5. As fast as the men passed the medical test they were sent out to the camp at
Forbury Park where they had to submit to a pretty severe riding test. Having satisfactory passed this test, they were finally taken in squads to
the rifle range at Pelichet Bay, and subjected to a firing test. The flower of New Zealand's youth was offering, and at least three times the number wanted were
available. 40 surplus men were ordered into the reserve for the fifth contingent. The final
draft of 257 men with 125 horses arrived from Wellington on the 19th inst.

Wellington, March 31st.Waimate: 13 officers, 268 men, 233 horses; Maori, 8 officers, 200 men, 180 horses;
At the last moment, owing to the influence of Major Steward, the Premier was induced to include
the reserve men, numbering 66, who will act as supernumeraries, and fill any vacancies
in the fifth contingent. There are 55 more men than horses, as it was impossible to find
sufficient chargers at the last moment. The troopship Maori sailed from Worser Bay,
[Wellington] for
Albany, shortly after 7 o'clock on Saturday night. The Roll Call for the fifth
contingent from the The Canterbury Company (South Canterbury men)
Lieutenant Bailey of Timaru
Non commissioned Officers:
Murray Graham Lyon, Studholme
Logan Glendinning, Glenlogan, Waimate
Buglers: Lindsay and Patrick, Timaru
Farriers: Duncan McTaggart, Morven, Waimate
Troopers:
Frank L. Barker, Ohapi, Orari
Ernest Robert Barrar, Timaru
John Anstruther Byng, Pareora Estate, St Andrews
Ernest Emms, Blue Cliffs
Lesile Alexander Forbes, Temuka
William Charles Gosling, Timaru
James William Gould, Timaru
Guy Westland Geddes, Orari George
John Burton Hobbs, Timaru
Charles William Hill, of Glengarry House, Opawa
James Ferguson Lindsay, Waimate
Nathan Williams, Timaru

Since old Oom Paul has gone to war,
We'll make it hot for every Boer.
But soldiers find there's else than lead
To hurt a man or kill him dead
The hard, rough life, climatic ills,
Are apt to bring on grievous chills.

Sailed from Timaru March 28, Magwen, barque, for Durban, with 1000 tons of flour and 17,160 sacks oats. This is the largest cargo that has ever left this port by sailer.

Evening Post, 8 March 1900, Page 2
Apart altogether from New Zealanders who form the colonial Contingents in
South Africa, several fellow-colonists are making their way there. Mr. F.
Hoare, sop of Mr. Hoare, who was at one time manager of the Raincliff
Station in ..South Canterbury, has been accepted for the Imperial Yeomanry ;
while Mr. J. Goodliff, known some years ago in steeplechasing and running
circles in the colony, has thrown up the management of a licensed house near
Fleet-street, in order to join the South African Contingent of the Bucks
Yeomanry, of which he is a member.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, 22 March 1900, Page 2
Dr Hogg has been appointed by the South Canterbury Hospital and Charitabe
Aid Board to fill the position vacated by Dr. Thomas, who has been appointed
surgeon to the Fifth Contingent for South Africa.
Mr Patterson, the Melbourne Argus correspondent, in his last
letter states : " I waited at Rimington's, and saw the New Zealanders taken
out to construct barbed- wire entanglements on a creek, up which the enemy
was expected to advance. The average Tommy would be much at sea when asked
to build a barbed wired entanglement, but the New Zealanders were left to
their work, and the Major went on round the camp to lay out the positions of
the guns and so on. When he came back the New Zealanders had built a
first-class barbed- wire fence across the creek. It fairly opened his eyes.
"How did you manage to do this so quickly?" said the Major. " I'm used to
wire," said one New Zealander. " Wire is no treat to me. I'm a fencer by
trade."

Waimate Daily Advertiser, 6 September 1900, Page 2
The Trooper Butler (3rd Contingent) mentioned as having been killed in
action at Winburg was a resident of Waimate, working for some time for Mr A.
Rattray, Hook.
Major Jowsey rejoins the amalgamated New Zealand Contingent,
the term of his staff appointment having probably expired. Major Jowsey was
much esteemed by the officers and men under his charge.

Otago Witness, 5 December 1900, Page 20
Mr John Nixon, a member of the Mackenzie Mounted Rifles, left Fairlie on
Wednesday morning for South Africa.

Auckland Star, 18 January 1901, Page 5
London, January 16 Private Daniel Clarke, of the New Zealand Rough Riders,
has been killed at Klerksdorp. The official roll gives Private D. Clarke as
one of the Fifth Contingent (Otago section). He went from Temuka.

Taranaki Herald, 25 February 1901, Page 3
RETURNING NEW ZEALANDERS.
Wellington, February 23. The Premier is advised that the Victorian left
Cape Town yesterday with Lieutenant Warrenton, of Brabant's Horse, and the
following New Zealanders aboard : Private E. C. Evans, Third, Orari
Gorge.

Evening Post, 22 July 1901, Page 6
Timaru, This, Day. Trooper D. McKenzie, of the Geraldine Mounted Rifles, and
of the Fifth Contingent, has died at Temuka of pneumonia.

Otago Witness, 5 March 1902, Page 29
THE DEATH ROLL. LONDON, February 28.
The following are the casualties in the Seventh New Zealand Mounted, near Vrede : �
KILLED. Lance-corporal William Roddick. (Mother : Mrs H. B. Roddick, of
Temuka)
Trooper John Connihan. (Father : Mr E Connihan, Kerrytown, nenr Timaru)
Trooper William Gibb Monohan. (Father: Mr Hugh Monohan Temuka, near Timaru )
Trooper Walter Stevenson. (Father: Mr James Orr Stevenson, Timaru.)
Trooper Alfred John Whitney, Timaru. Father: Mr Benjamin D. Whitney,
Waimate)
WOUNDED SEVERELY. Sergeant Charles F. N. Minifie, of Temuka, son of the late
Mr George Minifie, of Dunedin. (Trustee : Mr Charles McPeak, Dunedin.)
WOUNDED SLIGHTLY. Private W. Boone. (Friend : Miss A. Smith, Temuka.)
TheEighth Contingent was
divided into two Regiments, the South Island and the North Island regiment. The
North Island Regiment sailed in the Surrey on 1 February. and the South Island
Regiment sailed a week later, 8 February, from Lyttelton in the S.S. Cornwall,
5490 tons, built in 1896. Owners: Federation Steam Nav. Co. They met at Albany,
Western Australia and sailed together on 24 February until 8 March. The two
Regiments landed at Durban on 15 and 19 March, the Surrey begin the faster
vessel. The weather for the voyage was fine. On 4 July 1902 the Contingent
sailed for home aboard the Brittanic via Melbourne to Wellington arriving 1
August and was disbanded on 13 August. Contingents for South Africa were entirely
volunteer.

The troopship Devon, which left from Auckland, with the New
Zealand, North Island Battalion of the Ninth Contingent.
She hit a storm for two days while crossing the Tasman Sea and arrived in Sydney 26 March,
1902. The majority of the men were down with sea sickness except about sixty and about
twenty-three horses were killed outright, or so badly injured as to have to be destroyed
and another thirty were maimed.

The ordinary Kiwi soldier � without exception a
volunteer � was subjected to an appalling life in the South African campaign. The
officer corps was largely incompetent and service conditions bad. Thousands of
Empire troops, and Boers and Blacks, died not from bullets but from typhoid. I invite genealogy buffs to contribute pen portraits of
South African 'Boer' War veterans with a South Canterbury connection. Email to contribute.

ACLAND, Leopold George Dyke620 Private ThirdContingent

No. 5 company sailed for South Africa on the Union Company vessel Knight Tempar
on Saturday 17 February
1900. He listed his next of kin as Mr B.D. Ackland, uncle, of
Bathengland, UK. Leo was born in 1876 in Christchurch the son of Thomas
Dyke Acland. Acland left Christ's College in 1893. He purchased
Glentanner Station in 1898 for �5,000 and 10,000 sheep. He also
served in WW1at Gallipoli and later became a staff officer. Acland sold
Glentanner to George Murray for �9,000 in 1904. Acland was an authority on Canterbury history and wrote The
Early Canterbury Runs and articles for the Christchurch Press. He
owned "Braemar Station" from 1906-1911 and at the time of his death in
1948 he owned "Cecil Peaks Station", Lake Wakatipu. Ref: High
Endeavour by Vance.

ACLAND, Captain L D, M.C., Military Cross, left with the rank of Lieutenant in the Army Service
Corps, with the main body. [AWN 20.01.1916]

DEC. 1916 ACLAND, Major Leo G D, Christchurch, well known NZ
sportsman, has not been wounded as was officially stated in the hospital list
published yesterday but was invalided to England from France because the stump
of his arm, which he lost while tiger hunting in India, was giving him
trouble. An operation was performed on the nerves and according to the message
received, he is making satisfactory progress. [AWN 07.12.1916] L. G. D.
ACLAND OBE, MC. Lieut. 5/8/14, Major 1/3/1916. [Today in 2010 there are
only 3,200 tigers in the world, down from an estimated 100,000 in 1900]

MR. L.G.D. Acland,
the proprietor of Glentanner station, was born in Christchurch. From the first he followed
pastoral pursuits, and was a cadet on the Cracroft station. Mr. Acland
went to South Africa as a member of the Canterbury troop of New Zealand Rough
Riders, who left Christchurch on the 17 February, 1900, for the purpose of
taking part in the was with the Transvaal and Orange Free State Republics. Reference: Cyclopedia
of New Zealand, Canterbury edition 1903. Tekapo.

Grey River Argus, 14 May 1908, Page 3
Mr Leopold Acland who, it was recently cabled lost his arm in an encounter
with a tiger while out shooting in India, sailed from Fremantle to-day for
Auckland. He is stated to show signs of his encounter, but his general
health is good. He is a son of the late Thomas Acland of Christchurch, and a
cousin of Mr A. P. Harper, of Greymouth.

Grey River Argus, 25 June 1908, Page 3WELLINGTON, June 24. Mr Leopold Acland, of Canterbury; who received such
serious injuries while tiger hunting in India that one of his arms-had to be
amputated, arrived in Wellington by the Moeraki to-day, accompanied by Dean
Harper and Mr and Mrs Hugh Reeves, of Christchurch, who went to Melbourne to
meet him. Mr Acland, whose wounds have healed, will remain in Wellington for
some days before going on to Christchurch

James Barron grew up on his parent's farm near
Dunrobin, via Heriot, West Otago. A farmer aged
twenty-five when he enlisted and sailed on the 8 February 1902. James was awarded the
Imperial South African War Medal and clasps for South Africa 1902,
Transvaal and Cape Colony. James was the son of Alexander Barron, a farmer from Tuapeka area. In
1905 he married Jean Renton Kerse and farmed at Waiho Downs were Alan and
Philip were born. then moved south to a property at Taumata near Clinton. In 1916 James swapped his farm in Southland for the "Sherwood
Downs" homestead block owned by Charles Sydney Forbes the original ballot
selector. Charles was the brother of Rt. Hon George William Forbes, New Zealand's
Prime Minister for a Coalition Government from 1931-1935. Their father, Robert Forbes,
came to New Zealand in 1864 and settled around Little River, Banks Peninsula.
The
men left from the Addington Show Grounds camp to the Lyttelton jetties. Final
farewells were given and exchanged, and the Cornwall, with her 600 sons
of New Zealand aboard, commenced her voyage in earnest from Lyttelton. The
Barron's stayed their for twelve years on Sherwood. It was a paradise for
the young boys. In 1928 they sold out and moved to Allandale and built a
house. The Bernie O'Neil property. Jean died Nov. 15th 1955, aged 74 and
James died 29th July 1963, aged 88. Both are buried at Timaru.

William Alexander BOWIE, we was born D. street Timaru 12 July
1878 to Julia and Robert Bowie, listed for the First New Zealand Contingent to
the Boer War (all 10 contingents were MI or Mounted Infantry). He was a Bugler
in the 1st Company 1st Cont. Service number : 16. and was in Canterbury Mounted Rifles. Embarked on the
Waiwera 21 October 1899. Received a military pension. Later
qualified as doctor, at Edinburgh Medical School and Dr. W.A. Bowie was
Superintendent of Cook Hospital Gisborne 1916-1918, died Edinburgh 1945. Lost
left hand from X-Ray burns. From Richard Stower's "Rough Riders at War" on the
NZ Contingents to the (Second) Boer War 1899-1902. His service record is
online on
Archway.Trumpter William Alexander Bowie, SA
Regimental No. 16 Bugler 1st Cont.
Age 21
Occupation: farmer, Levels
height 5 feet 8 inches
weight 11st.
Horse 16
Revolver 1877
Born in the Province of Canterbury near the town of Timaru
Service abroad 1 year and 94 days. 1899-1900 - 2nd Bugler
Father R.H. Bowie

Auckland Star, 10 May 1945, Page 9 OBITUARY
DR. W. A. BOWIE Advice has been received in Auckland of the death of Dr. William
A. Bowie, who practised in Gisborne, and was a prominent radiologist. He went to
Great Britain last October. As a bugler, Dr. Bowie left New Zealand with the
First New Zealand Contingent which sailed for South Africa in October, 1899.
After two years' service in South Africa he went to Edinburgh University to
study medicine. He graduated there, and subsequently was for some time in the
Hull Infirmary. He next practised in New South Wales and later returned to New
Zealand. Dr. Bowie was 67 years of age. He is survived by two sons, the elder
being Captain William Bowie, master mariner, now overseas, and Mr. B. R. Bowie,
of Wanganui.

Timaru Herald Thursday 19 October 1899Sergeant Byrneof
Timaru rejected from the Contingent. Failed to pass the required standard in
horsemanship.

Timaru Herald Wednesday 20 December 1899 DruidismThere was a very large attendance of druids last night for the quarterly
meeting. Bro. Simpson, P.D.P., proposed the toast "Our Volunteers." coupled
with the name of Bro. (captain) Beckningham and Bro. (Private) Byrne
(now at the front.) Bro. Keith said incidentally remarked that he was the
last person from Timaru to shake Bro. Byrne's hand in Wellington prior to
his departure with the Contingent. He had never seen a young fellow so cut
up as Byrne was when he was at first rejected [because his horsemanship was
not up to standard]. However all ended well and Byrne was now fighting for
New Zealand in South Africa. Other toasts. Bro. C. Knight, P.A. Bro.
Pattrick sang "A soldier and a Man" and Bro. Simpson sang "England's Glory."
"God Save the Queen" was sung by all with cheers, with an extra cheers for
"Billy Byrne," terminated the proceedings.
KIA 28 May
1900

Timaru Herald Tuesday 5th June 1900The company parade of the Timaru Rifles, Captain Beckingham in command, held
last evening, was well attended. The corps had not been long at drill, when
the sad news came of Corporal Byrne's death in South Africa, and Captain
Beckingham at once dismissed the parade.

Last night Captain Gillies received a telegram from the Hon. Hall-Jones,
which stated that William Joseph Byrne had been killed in action, and
that F. Knubley had been severely wounded. "The following casualties
occurred near Johannesburg on may 28th: - No. 113, W.J. Byrne, killed. No.
400, Francis Clissold Knubley, {Second Contingent under Major Cradock,)
severely wounded; and No. 144, Alexander Hastie, slightly wounded." Trooper
Knubley, is a son of Mr M.J. Knubley, solicitor, of Timaru.

The usual meeting of the Aloysian Society was called for last evening, but
immediately adjourned on receipt of the sad news of the death of Corporal
Willie Byrne in South Africa. It was also resolved that the secretary
send a letter of condolence to the late Corporal Byrne's family, deeply
sympathising with them in their bereavement.

The very sad news of the death of Corporal Byrne cast quite a gloom over
Timaru last night, and his many friends here both among the volunteers and
in other circles, expressed the deepest regret and sympathy with his father,
mother, and sisters in their irreparable bereavement. Partings are always
sad yet we are sure that the hundreds of people here on the departure of
Willie Byrne, will often recall as a memory of regret his cheerfulness on
bidding them farewell. He was one of the first to volunteer and as a
non-commissioned officer had ably assisted his comrades of the First
Contingent in the war in South Africa. He was the second son of Mr T. Byrne
(his eldest brother, Daniel, is a member of the Fourth Contingent) a very
old resident of Timaru, and saw his first service as a volunteer in the old
C Battery of Artillery, joining this corps on the 21st February, 1894, when
he was 17 years nine months old. On the disbanding of the Battery he joined
the City Rifles, and had been in that company for about three years when he
was accepted for service in South Africa. He was employed at the Belford
mill. On receipt of the news at The Priory the Rev. Father Tubman directed
that the bell at the church of the Sacred Heart be tolled, the deceased
soldier having been a member of his flock. Born at South Rakaia in 1876, he
net his death on the battlefield just on 24 years of age.

Wednesday 6 June 1900Most of the flags that were flying before were withdrawn yesterday, those
that were flown being at half-mast. At Messrs Ballantyne and Co.'s all the
windows were in mourning, a shutter board being left in the middle of each.
The deceased soldier's sisters are in the employ of the firm. The Mayor of
Timaru, on behalf of the town and district, has sent a letter of condolence
to Mr and Mrs Byrne.

Star 16 September 1905, Page 5
Mr W J. BYRNE a solicitor widely known in Christchurch, died rather
suddenly this morning, in consequence of breaking a blood-vessel. He had
been feeling unwell lately. Mr Byrne came to the colony nearly thirty yearn
ago, opening his New Zealand career at Timaru as a clerk, to Mr
Hammersley,
to whom he articled himself. After passing his examination, he came to
Christchurch and was a law clerk with Messrs Harper and Company.
Subsequently he took an office for himself, and practised his profession
till the time of his death. He is survived by a widow, three sons and three
daughters. All the boys have distinguished themselves at football. The
eldest, W. J. Byrne, volunteered for service in South Africa during the Boer
war, and was accidentally shot dead by a comrade on the veldt.

Press, 6 January 1900, Page 7 THE ABSENT-MINDED BEGGAR.
The following is the encore verse of "The Absent-minded Beggar' as sung by
Mr Millar at the meeting at the Opera House on Thursday night:
There's a few more men in kharki gone to ride and shoot with Byrne
They will face old Kruger's Mausers with the best;
And tho' some may lose their ticket that we gave 'em to return,
There are some will come back patched and needin' rest.
We will not be absent-minded, for their three square meals a day,
With a decent soldier's pension we will find 'em;
We will show the the maimed and broken down returnin' from the fray
That they left a lot of loyal hearts behind 'em.
Our sons�your sons�sons of the men we know,
Two Contingents for the front, we cheered 'em on their way,
Each man doing his country's work (and who was it told them to go?)
Pass the hat for New Zealand's sake, and pay, pay, pay.

The words were written by a Timaru resident and the Byrne mentioned in the
first line is Trooper W. Byrne, of Timaru, a member of the first Contingent.

CRAMPTON

Timaru Herald, 6 November 1908, Page 2
With much regret news was received in Timaru yesterday of the death of Mr
P.D. Crampton, the contractor for the erection of the Canterbury Farmers'
Cooperative Association new building. At the suggestion of his medical
adviser, as he was suffering from consumption, Mr Crampton some little time
ago went to live near Fairlie, where he purchased the homestead block of the
Trentham estate. Mr Crampton had been in Timaru for about four years, coming
originally from North Canterbury, and during that period has carried out
several important building contracts including the erection of Ferguson's
coach factory and of Craigmore house, additions to the Assembly Rooms, to
Dalgety and Co's, while he recently undertook the erection of new premises
for the Canterbury Farmers' Co-operative Association, Ltd. Mr Crampton was
member of the Eighth New Zealand Contingent which went to South Africa, and
was there appointed to the rank of quarter-master of Thorneycroft's column.
On the formation of the South Canterbury Reserve Corps he became an honorary
member, and in recognition of his services to his country, be will be
accorded a military funeral. Mr Crampton was a member of St. John's lodge
and of the Order of Oddfellows. Mr Crampton, who is only in his thirty third
year, leaves a widow and one child. The funeral will leave Mr Moriarty's
residence, Wilson street, tomorrow at 1.30 p.m.

Reg No 3723. Private, Sixth Contingent , No. 20 Company
Ship 'Cornwall' 30 January 1901
Occupation: Stationmaster , Dunedin
NOK: Mr William Dale, brother c/o Reid and Gray, Dunedin. Samuel Dale
(�Sam�) was born in Port Chalmers in 1870. He went to the Boer War with the
Sixth contingent and returned unhurt. On
leaving the Doncaster Hotel he married Edith Mary Dale (no relation) whose
parents owned the Doncaster Hotel at Washdyke, and later ran it in
conjunction with her as joint owners. In 1908 he bought a town supply farm
on school Road, Fairlie, next to the show grounds.

Son of George
Randall Freeman and Margaret Freeman (nee Molloy). Born 1874. Died Heathcoate Camp,
Christchurch 17 January 1902 from the effects of Enteric Fever contracted at the war. Aged
27 years. Private Freeman left Waimate with four other men
Privates W Butcher, John Goldstone, Robert Goldstone and Albert Leach. The men went
off through cheering streets, their haversacks and water bottles suggesting immediacy of
action. The Second Contingent left
Wellington on January 2, 1900 aboard the S S Waiwera. Courtesy of Gail Woods,
Waimate Museum. Posted 29 March 2000. Buried 19 January 1902, age 27, in
the Old Waimate Cemetery.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, 12 July
1900, Page 3Wellington, July 10. The Premier has received a cable from Mr Pilcner, New
Zealand Government agent at Capetown, giving particulars of the men in the
hospital at Capetown. The following South Canterbury men are mentioned : 617, Wilson (Lance-Corporal C. A, Wilson, son of Mr C. Wilson, Waimate)673, McIntosh (Private A. McIntosh, son of Mrs McIntosh) Timaru
417, King, (Private J. D. King, next of kin, Mr James King, Livery Stables,
Timaru) 307, Freeman (Private T. M. Freeman, son of Mrs Freeman,
Waimate)
All are doing well, and the majority will be fit to return by the Waimate.

Feilding Star, 24 July 1900, Page 2
The Premier has received a cable from Major Craddock, stating the
following New Zealanders have died of enteric fever : � Privates F. P.
Brown (Timaru) , F. Broome (Wellington), and T. M. Freeman (Waimate).

Timaru Herald, 25 July 1900, Page 2
Every available flag in Waimate was exhibited at half-mast at Waimate
yesterday, at the news received the previous evening of the death by enteric
fever of Trooper Tom Freeman, of Waimate, of which town he was a native. A
general feeling of sympathy was shown for his widowed mother, Mrs G.R.
Freeman, and his brothers and sisters on the sad news so suddenly arriving
to them.

Hawera & Normanby Star, 17 January 1902, Page 3
Christchurch, January 17. Driver Freeman, of B Battery, which is in camp
at Heathcoate, was found dead in bed this morning. Deceased served in
South Africa and had enteric fever.

Evening Post, 18 January 1902, Page 5
At the inquest on the body of Driver Freeman, who died suddenly at the
artillery camp yesterday, a verdict of Death from Heart Disease was
returned.

Timaru Herald, 20 January 1902, Page 2
Our Waimate correspondent writes : The news of the sudden death, of Gunner
Tom Freeman, of Waimate, on the 17th instant, was received at Waimate with
much regret, and deep sympathy is felt with his mother, brothers and
sisters. He served some months in the Second New Zealand Contingent in South
Africa, being invalided home about eighteen months ago from the effects of
enteric fever. Not tired or afraid of a soldier's life and its hardships, he
offered his services as a member of the Eighth Contingent now preparing for
South Africa, but his medical certificate was not sufficient. He joined the
New Zealand Permanent Artillery some time ago, and was serving in that
capacity at the time of his death at the Heathcote camp last Friday morning.
He was only 23 years of age. The Waimate Rifles, Studholme Mounted Rifles,
Oddfellows, and Masons, joined in procession at his funeral, from the
residence of his mother, and St. Augustine's Church, to the Waimate
cemetery.

North Otago Times, 29 August 1900, Page 1Trooper T. M. Freeman of Waimate, a member of the Second Contingent, who
returned invalided from the front by the Gothic, arrived in Lyttelton on
Saturday morning by the Rotomahana. He is experiencing the peculiar
feelings of a man returned from the grave, his death having, in error,
been reported to his friends. The mistake arose in this way: Trooper Freeman was at Bloemfontein at the same time that a New South
Wales Lancer, of the surname, died, and was buried, and the authorities
reported that the New Zealander had died. A pecullal coincidence
was that the New South Wales Lancer's number was 207, whilst Trooper
Freeman s number was 307. At the Lancer's grave it appears that a
dispute arose as to his identity some maintaining he was the New
Zealander. It was not until Trooper Freeman reached Capetown
that he learned of the mistake from a mate, who told him that
notification of his death had been read out in orders. As may be
imagined Trooper Freeman's friends have suffered considerably through
the error made. After the fight at the Ver River, Major Caddock put Trooper Freeman
in an ambulance, with instructions to join him in a day's time, but the
medical officer ordered him back to the hospital. Trooper Freeman,
however, managed to get possession of a horse, rifle and bandolier and
started off "on his own" to find the New Zealanders. He fell in with
General French's column instead, and fought with the Inniskillings
outside Kroostad. After a day and a half's endeavour to get up with the
Contingent, the fever got hold of him, and on getting off his horse
found it impossible to get on again, and was ultimately picked up on the
veldt by some dragoons He was four days in a field hospital, the
same period was taken in transport to Bloemfontein, and during three
days he lay unconscious. He was three or four weeks in the hospital at
Bloemfontein , and made an ineffectual attempt to clear out and rejoin
the Contingent. He was sent to Wynberg hospital, in Cape Colony, where
he was for about a fortnight. He was then sent to the base hospital at
Maitland, where he was put on light duties for about ten days, prior to
New Zealand. Trooper Freeman thinks South Africa is a good country to live
in. Despite the hardships encountered, which one gets used to, he liked
campaigning, and he felt so much recovered in health when he reached
Wellington, that he saw Colonel Ponton, and asked to be allowed to
return to South Africa in a month. Colonel Ponton, however, would not
hear of the proposal. The other members of the Contingent Waimate: the
Goldstones and Butcher. - were doing first class. Speaking
generally of the treatment involved by the colonial troops Trooper
Freeman said it was very good, and as good as could be expected.

GALWEY, Kit. Christopher de Burgh Galwey, aka Kit

Born and raised on the West Coast, NZ. He served in the South African War and
with the out break of
World War One volunteered again. As a result of injuries
he was hopsitalized for many months at the Choubra Hospital in Cairo,
Egypt. In 1917 the Clayton Settlement, a returned soldiers settlement,
came up for balloting. Kit drew a run which he named "Choubra."

HARRISON, W.D.

HARRISON. On January 24th (killed in action at
Spionkop),
William Derby Harrison. Second son of Joseph Harrison, Timaru, aged 27 years.
Deeply regretted. Timaru Herald 14 March, 1900

Timaru Herald, 14 March 1900, Page 3
The many friends of Mr and Mrs J Harrison, of Timaru, will read the
following with deep regret : "Imperial Light Infantry. Spearsman's Camp,
Natal, February 4th, 1900. Dear Madam,� It is with deep regret that I write
to inform you of the death of your son, Private William Derby Harrison of
this corps, who died fighting for his country at Spionkop on January 24th
last. During the time that your son served under my command his conduct was
in every way satisfactory. I am, madam, yours sincerely, M. Neale Shutte,
Lieut. Commanding A. Co., I.L.I." The late Private Harrison will be well
remembered here, as he served his apprenticeship, and was for a long time
employed at Mr J. J. Grandi's coach factory. His parents and relations will,
we feel sure, have the deepest sympathy of all residents of Timaru.

Timaru Herald, 12 June 1900, Page 3
"Timaru's first sacrifice in the Anglo-Boer war" was Private William Darby
Harrison, who was killed on Spionkop on the 24th January last. Private
Harrison was a Timaru boy, born and bred, who left his native town about
four years ago to try his luck in South Africa. When the Imperial Light
Infantry was formed in Durban he joined that regiment, and took part in all
the fighting about the Tugela, under General Sir Redvers Buller, which led
up to the storming of the heights of Spionkop. The conspicuous gallantry of
his regiment in that desperate engagement was in itself sufficient to prove
his devotion to the cause he was fighting for, and if any tablets are to be
erected to the memory of our gallant Timaru boys who have died in the
execution of a Briton's noblest duty I would suggest that all honour be also
accorded to the late Private Harrison. Both Private Harrison and Corporal
Byrne fought as only true Britons can fight and if our townspeople would
respect their memory I trust that they will do so in a manner worthy of the
occasion.

Timaru Herald, 3 September 1900, Page 2
By the English mail which came to hand last week. Mr D. Harrison, of Bank
street, Timaru, received some additional particulars of his brother's death.
The letter containing these is from a friend at Durban, and is dated July
16th. The man who furnished the information to him was the next to Harrison
when he was shot. They were the first to reach the top of Spionkop, were in
the front rank, and Harrison was the first man shot. He and his comrades
crept up the kopjes, and on reaching the top the order was given to
"charge." The men stood up and ran to obey the order, -when Harrison fell
shot through the forehead. An instantaneous death in the full tide of a
battle which will long be remembered. The writer adds some details showing
that he is attending to some necessary private matters on behalf of Mr and
Mrs Harrison. Trooper Harrison, it will no doubt be remembered, had done
excellent work as a member of one of the Natal companies.

Timaru Herald, 9 March 1900, Page 3 THE CASUALTY LIST.
Mr W. Harrison, an old Timaru boy son of Mr Joseph Harrison, storeman for
the National Mortgage and Agency Co., Timaru, is serving with the Imperial
Light Infantry with Sir Redvers Buller at Ladysmith. The Imperials are a
Natal volunteer company, which was formed since the war broke out.
Bugler Jackson, of the Waimate Rifles, having passed the
medical test, is now at the Fourth Contingent camp, Christchurch.

Born 1861 at Waikouaiti, Otago, was the third son
of William Heckler, a farmer, who had came out to N.Z on the Rajah from
Knowesburgh, Yorkshire and Susan Robins, from Frome, Somerset, via
Australia. "Harry" volunteered for the Fourth
Contingent but was not allowed to take his own horse along as he, the
mount, was too tall. He left as a Corporal, was made a Lieutenant, later a Captain
after he again volunteered for the North Island Regiment, Tenth Contingent. He
had been working as a farm manger south of Hastings. On the voyage over on the
S.S.
Drayton Grange in 1902 he became good friends with the Hon. Richard John
Seddon,
the Prime Minister, who
had been invited to visit South Africa. Headstone Timaru.
Service recordLetters written by Seddon on the voyage to England - 15 May 1902 - Seddon to
Messenger - Informs him has appointed Lieutenant Heckler to captain. For
service in South Africa has been recommended for the DSO and the DSM
Letters written by Seddon on the voyage to England - 15 May 1902 - WB
Messenger to Seddon - Replies to 8/19. Has found for men whom he promoted
according to instructions given by Seddon. Lieutenant Heckler's promotion
will appear in orders that night.

Captain Heckler and his wife Olga were the first
to take up "Ribbonwood", Sherwood Downs, Fairlie in 1912 when the area
was opened under renewable crown pastoral lease by ballot. The altered
homestead built in 1914 still stands, at 1800' overlooks the district. Captain Heckler died in Timaru Hospital in
April 1915 of blood poisoning.

Otago Daily Times 11 May 1905, Page 8
Our Waikouaiti correspondent writes:� Captain Harry Heckler, late of the
Fourth, Seventh, and Tenth New Zealand Contingents, was united in manage to
Miss Olga. H Fodor at St. John's Church to-day (Wednesday). The church,
which was nicely decorated for the occasion, was crowded with spectators.
The Rev. H. E. Jones was the officiating clergyman, and the bride was given
away by Mr T. Mackenzie, M.H.R. After the ceremony was concluded luncheon
was partaken of in the Borough Council Chambers, when a goodly number sat
down, and the usual toasts were proposed, the speakers referring in
flattering terms to the high esteem in which the parties concerned were
held. Mr and Mrs Heckler left afterwards for Dunedin, whence they proceed
south to Gore, where Mr Heckler has received an appointment as an officer of
the Stock Department for that district.

Evening Post, 12 April 1915, Page 8Captain H. T. Heckler, D.S.O., who was a member of the 4th, and 10th New
Zealand. Contingents for South Africa, died at Timaru last week from blood
poisoning.

Otago Daily Times 8 April 1915, Page 4
HECKLER. On April 7, at Timaru, Captain H T. Heckler, D.S.O. (of the 4th,
7th, and 10th Contingents of South African Boer war), late of Waikouaiti and
Fairlie. Funeral leaves St. Mary's Church, on Friday a 2.15 pm for the
Timaru Cemetery. W. J. Lister, undertaker.

Trooper Frederick Henry Karton, 1709 South
African Light Horse
William Karton, father, Woolcoombe, St. Timaru
Sergeant Frederick Harry Wilkin Karton name may have been spelt Carton
NOK: Mrs Fulton, Timaru
Certificate of discharge of No. 1709 Trooper Fred Karton
Born near the town of Exeter in the County of Devon. Attested at Durban Natal on
the 27th April 1900 at the age of 27 years. Discharged in consequence of
completion of service. Service aboard one year and 326 days.
Description on discharge.
Age 29. Height 5ft 8". Complexion fresh. Eyes blue. Hair brown. Trade publican,
Intended place of residence: Johannesburg, Transvaal. Discharged confirmed at
Elandsforntein.
The late Sergeant F. Karton had been Sergeant in Durban for some time and was
buried in the Cemetery at Braamfontein. Sergt. Frederick Karton, deceased,
Brabant's Horse, reported to have died of Enteric Fever at Johannesburg on 20th
November 1902.
Died 20th Nov. 1902 at Central Road, Forsburg.
Cause of Death D.T.
Occupation barman
Colour White
Age 28 yrs.
Name Fred Karton
illness lasted 4 days
Attended by Doctor A.C. Hunter
Undertaker Mr Hill
Father inform of his death by a letter from Mr Ernest Sijourne. Fred died 20th
Nov. and was buried the following day.

Lieut. M.E. LINDSAY

Grey River Argus, 30 March 1900, Page 3
Lieut. M.E. Lindsay, of New Zealand, has received a commission in the.
Seventh Dragoons.

Marlborough Express, 10 July 1900, Page 3
The Premier has received a cable from Mr H. Filcher, of Capetown, under date
5th inst., as follows ; Lieuts. Canavan (Blenheim), Heather (Auckland),
Lindsay (Timaru), and Trooper Saunders (Southland) are returning to the
colony by the Papanui. Major Jowsey reports that Private Knubley (Timaru)
has recovered.

Timaru Herald, 2 August 1900, Page 3
WELCOME TO LIEUTENANT LINDSAY.
Lieut. M.E. Lindsay, who left New Zealand for South Africa us an officer of
No. 1 Company of the First New Zealand Contingent, and while there obtained
a commission in the Imperial Army, has returned to his home, invalided, and
as a lieutenant of the 7th Dragoon Guards, on six months leave. He arrived
at Timaru by the express from Christchurch yesterday, and as the first
Timaru member of the Contingents to return, and as one more over who hail
won high praise as an officer in the field, the Mayor, Volunteer officers,
and citizens gave him a most hearty welcome. A good deal of bunting was
displayed in the part of the town near the railway station. And the shipping
in the port were gaily dressed. A large crowd assembled at the station
siding a large proportion of ladies. The Mounted Rifles furnished guard of
honour, and Colonel Bailey and most of the Volunteer officers in town, and
Captain Richardson from Temuka were present to welcome him. The Mayor, and
Councillor Grandi, representing the Borough Council met Lieut. Lindsay at
the train, and after some cheers had been indulged in on Lieut. Lindsay's
appearance on the carriage platform, the Mayor called for three more; and
for Mr and Mrs Lindsay, who were also passengers by the train. Lieut.
Lindsay looks very pale and weak, and the wide service helmet and rough
woollen khaki tunic he wore do not improve a person's appearance. At the
Mayor's invitation Lieut. Lindsay was then driven to the Grosvenor Hotel,
when in the large dining-room an enthusiastic reception was given to the
returned representative of Timaru. There were present Colonel Bailey and
other Volunteer officers, and forty or fifty of the professional and
business men of the town. The Mayor presided, and in proposing the toast of
"The Queen," made sympathetic reference to the bereavement Her Majesty has
just, sustained, to add to the considerable troubles which she already had
to bear in the two wars in which the nation is engaged. He then proposed the
health of Lieut. Lindsay, with the hope that he may soon regain his
strength, and pursue his military career us successfully in the future as he
had done in the short period of his past service. He need not explain why he
had called the citizens together on such an occasion. When they last met in
that room it was to send away some of their representatives to South Africa.
Now they were met to welcome back one who was among the first to go :
somewhat regretfully to welcome him, as they would have preferred to see him
in good health, and able to go right through the campaign. He could assure
him that they had all read with great interest the news of his career at the
front, and they had been proud that a Timaru boy, and a Timaru volunteer,
had taken a leading part in many " scraps," or rather more than " scraps" ;
and not only Timaru, but the whole district was proud of the way he had
carried himself. Lieut. Lindsay briefly replied, thanking the company for
the great honour done him. Colonel Bailey, whose name was also coupled with
the toast, said Lieut. Lindsay, they all felt, had worthily upheld the
honour of the Old Flag, and he had no doubt that he would continue to do so
as a good soldier, everywhere and always. Mr Guinness and Mr Kent," speaking
for the citizens, Captain Beckingham for the Timaru Volunteers, and Captain
Richardson for the Country Corps, also made speeches of welcome. Mr Grandi
proposed the " Safety and Safe Return of Our Boys at the Front," This toast
was coupled with the names of those present who have sons at the front
Colonel Bailey, and Messrs Tennent and Knubley, each of whom briefly
replied. The health of the Mayor was drunk with musical honours, and a verse
of " God Save the Queen" concluded the proceedings. Lieut. Lindsay was then
driven home, escorted by the mounted guard. As they passed the Waimataitai
the school children paraded and gave Lieut. Lindsay hearty cheers. Our
Winchester correspondent writes : � Lieutenant Lindsay received a tremendous
ovation when the train arrived here yesterday. ; Mr Opie, chairman of the
School Committee, requested the school children to assemble at the railway
station, which they did with infinite pleasure. The youngsters were
plentifully supplied with flags, and made a gland show. Mr De Renzy
addressed Lieutenant Lindsay, and said that the residents of Winchester were
proud to welcome him back from South Africa. They had watched his career
with the greatest pleasure. Miss Flora Boston read all address from the
children, and on the call of Mr Opie hearty cheers were then given for
Lieutenant Lindsay and his glorious commander, Lord Roberts. Lieutenant
Lindsay returned thanks very feelingly. The train then moved on and the
children were granted a holiday for the remainder of the afternoon.

O'CALLAGHAN, Leslie George

O'CALLAGHAN, Leslie George
was the son of Arthur Pyne and Florence O'Callaghan, of 16 Craigie St., Timaru; husband of
Julia Marie O'Callaghan, of Hadlow, Timaru. Native of The Springs, Lincoln, Canterbury.
Private L.G. O'Callaghan was a member of the
Second Contingent when he joined the
South African Police Force in 1900 for a three month stint. Lieutenant O'Callaghan was a teacher when he enlisted with the Eighth Contingent South Island Regiment - Squadron
F and sailed from Lyttelton on the Cornwall 8 February1902. On returning he
became an auctioneer in Waimate and entered in partnership with E.A. LeCren. Leslie's
father was a supervising valuer in Christchurch. Leslie terminated his business when his
wife was lucky enough in 1912 to draw a ballot for a run at the top of Morris Rd, Sherwood
Downs, Fairlie. She named the run "Leslie Downs" after her husband.
They were neighbours of the Heckler's. Captain O'Callaghan 24291 enlisted in WW1,
1st Bn., Canterbury Regiment, NZEF, and died in action on Friday, 12th October 1917,
Ypres, Belgium.
Age 38. Buried at TYNE COT MEMORIAL, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. Mr.
L. O'Callaghan name appears on at least six war memorials or Honour
Boards in South Canterbury the Sherwood Downs, St Mary's Church, Timaru, Waimataitai School,
Sacred Heart and Timaru's South African War Memorials in South Canterbury
and on the
Lincoln District Honour Board.
He had married Julia Marie Stephanie WHEELER in 1905. South Canterbury
Mounted Rifles member Papers Past
TH 30 Dec. 1899 pg3 and 1900
letter

Timaru Herald, 21 July 1896, Page 2
The appointment is gazetted of Mr Arthur Pyne O'Callaghan of Timaru, to be a
valuer for the business of the Government Advances to Settlers Office

PINCKNEY, George

George John Pinckney was not in the New Zealand Contingents (confirmed
by checking Richard Stower's "Rough Riders"), and the item refers to him as
an "very old resident of Tapanui" and being in the Hospital Service. A check
on
Kevin Asplin's (wayback) website shows that
George Pinckney is listed as an Orderly in the Imperial Hospital Corps, and
would presumably have received the QSA or Queen's South Africa medal.
Imperial Hospital Corps, a colonial unit of the Boer War of 1899-1902.
His WWI service records has been digitalised on
Archways.
Born Winchester about 1850. Not related to
George
Pinckneyof
Orari Gorge.

Otago Witness, 28 November 1900, Page 44
Mr George Pinckney, a very old resident of the Tapanui district, left last
week for South Africa in search of green fields and pastures new.

Otago Witness, 24 September 1902, Page 31
The Tapanui Rifles mustered well, and attended in uniform, Captain Rodger
commanding. There was a great gathering of troopers, including members of
the various contingents, some of whom had, of course, been publicly welcomed
on previous occasions. Those of the latest contingents - comprising Corporal
Staven. Troopers M'Farlane, F. J. Quinn, and T. Price, and Mr Geo. Pinckney
(of the Hospital service) - came in for special recognition, and were
presented with maltese crosses by the lady mayoress (Mrs W. Quin).

NZSG Cemetery microfiche:
In the Tapanui Town Hall is a very finely preserved stained wooden Honours
Board, with gold lettering for the South Africa, Roll of Honour 1899-1902
included in the names is G. Pinckney.

An article in the NZ Genealogist (May-June 1997) by A Ron Jones said there
could be 1500-2000 NZers recruited into other Colonial (i.e. South African,
Australian) or Imperial units in South Africa. There were about 6500 in the
ten New Zealand Contingents, though many joined twice or more.

Shappere, Rose

The Hebrew Standard of Australasia (Sydney, NSW)
Friday 25 May 1900 p 10
Mr. S. Shappere, of Melbourne, has received very gratifying news from his
daughter Rose, who is a nurse in the British Army in South Africa. This young
lady, an ex-resident of Timaru, N.Z. was in Ladysmith all the time that the
siege lasted, and the authorities have sent her and five other nurses to England
to recruit their health, first class passages having been provided for them. Mr.
Shappere has also received news that his son, who is serving in the British
Artillery, and strange to say, was amongst those that tried so long to relieve
the beleaguered city, is well.

WORTHINGTON, Leonard Edward John
5617 Trooper 8th
Contingent South African War & 5073 Trooper 2nd Brabant's Horse South
African Regiment which was raised from colonial volunteers in South Africa.

Leonard
was born at Pleasant Point on 25 February 1875 to Robert and Catherine (nee Jagger)
Worthington. He was too young for the Boer War so he and a minister's son stowed
away and jumped off the ship at Cape Town and swam ashore. Later he was drafted
from the Temuka Rifles with the Eighth Contingent
- E Squadron and was attested at Addington on 6 January 1902. His record shows he was
employed as a farm-hand for F. Palliser of Timaru at the time. Trooper Worthington was
found gambling in Camp in that he did on 14 June play a game of chance with dice for money
and was awarded 10 days pack drill. He was awarded the Queen's
South African Medal 1902 and Orange Free State Clasp and obtained
the rank of lance-corporal. Len died in Christchurch in 1948.
For details of service in the Brabant's Horse Regiment
write to the Public Record Office in London and read The Colonials in South Africa
1899-1902 by John Stirling published Blackwood & Sons, Edinburgh and
London, being the services of the various irregular corps raised in South
Africa and the contingents from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, India and
Ceylon together with details of those mentioned in despatches with related
honours and awards, 497pp., hardback, d.w., Reprint, Suffolk, (1907) 1990.
WW1 service

Brabant's Horse. There were two
units of Brabant's Horse, both raised in Queenstown, South Africa. 1st
Brabant's was raised on 5.11.1899 and 2nd Brabant's in January 1900. Both
were about 600 strong and were disbanded in Cape Town on 31.12.1901.
Locally raised South African regiment, raised by Sir Robert Brabant,
Commissioner of Cape Railways, in Queenstown, SA, Nov.5, 1899. Top strength,
600. Included in its ranks South African colonials, Australians, British,
Canadians. Unit saw much action against Boer commandos.
Brabant's Horse
was disbanded in Cape Town, Dec. 31,1901.

Taranaki Herald, 27 April 1901, Page 2RECRUITING IN NEW ZEALAND FOR BRABANT'S HORSE.
A GOVERNMENT DECLARATION ON QUESTION. Wellington, April 28.; The
Commander of the Forces wishes it known that the New Zealand Government
will not be responsible for contracts entered into by F. B. Hughes, of
Brabant's Horse.

Taranaki Herald, 7 May 1901, Page 2RECRUITING IN NEW ZEALAND.
Christchurch, May 6.- Captain Hughes has received a cable from the
military authorities at the Cape, stating that Lord Kitchener is
agreeing for the passages of the men recruited by Captain Hughes for
Brabant's Horse, and instructing him to see the Governor upon, the
matter. As a result Captain Hughes, left for Wellington this evening by
the Rotorua.

West Coast Times,, 29 April 1901, Page 2Hughes to-day told a newspaper reporter that he had received a written
and verbal request from Colonel Thomas who commands a portion of
Brabant's Horse to bring back 100 recruits from New Zealand. He says he
had the rank of Lieutenant in the regiment and exhibited a large bundle
of telegrams which he said were from men in all parts of the colony
anxious to join.

Otago Witness, 1 May 1901, Page 25RECRUITING IN NEW ZEALAND
Wellington. April 26. Lieutenant Hughes, of Christchurch, who is
enlisting men in the colony for Brabant's Horse, interviewed the
Commander of the Forces to-day in regard to Lord Kitchener's cable to
the Premier. He says that Colonel Penton informed him that the
Government would try and prevent men going as recruits, but, of course,
they could not stop them shipping as ordinary passengers. Lieutenant
Hughes agreed to drop the word recruit from his advertisements, and
confine himself to assisting men to leave for South Africa
unconditionally. In regard to Lord Kitchener's cable, he contends that
he has a perfect right to recruit anywhere for the irregular body horse.

Hawera & Normanby Star, 14 May 1903, Page 3MEDALS FOR
NEW ZEALANDERS
Wellington, May 13. Captain J. T. Marshall, of Wellington, who served in the Boer war, as a
Sergeant in Brabant's Horse, recently wrote to the paymaster of the
Imperial Discharge Depot at Capetown relative to the issue of South
African war medals to New Zealand members of irregular forces. He has
just received a reply that all New Zealanders who served in irregular
corps should apply for their medals direct to the chief ordnance officer
at Woolwich.

Evening Post, 13 November 1900, Page 5INVALIDED NEW ZEALANDERS.
Perth, This Day. The Australasian has arrived here with invalided officers,
including Lieut. Colonel Sommerville and Lieut. Collins, of the New Zealand
Fourth Contingent, and Mr. J. A. Shand, war correspondent. Lieut. Collins's
left fore-arm was shattered by a gunshot. His Excellency the Governor has
received the following cable message from the General of Communications,
dated Capetown, 12th November: "Woolloomooloo left Capetown 9th. She has
on board Surgeon-Major Burns and four men of the New Zealand Mounted
Infantry; also Sergt. Marshall, of Brabant's Horse, for Wellington, and
Private Turner, of Brabant's Horse, for Napier."

Evening Post, 8 March 1900, Page 2Apart altogether from New Zealanders who form the colonial Contingents in
South Africa, several fellow-colonists are making their way there. Mr. F.
Hoare, son of Mr. Hoare, who was at one time manager of the Raincliff
Station in South Canterbury, has been accepted for the Imperial Yeomanry ;
while Mr. J. Goodliff, known some years ago in steeplechasing and running
circles in the colony, has thrown up the management of a licensed house near
Fleet-street, in order to join the South African Contingent of the Bucks
Yeomanry, of which he is a member.

Hawera & Normanby Star, 14 April 1902, Page 3
Wellington, April 14. The following are the names of those selected to form the
European portion of the Coronation Contingent :
J. D. King, Timaru
J. Goldstone, Waimate
C. E. Cross, Fairlie

Press, 19 February 1900, Page 9
SOME BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES. The following are brief biographical note?
respecting 'the men of the Canterbury Troop:
Trooper Leopold George Dyke Acland was born at Christchurch and educated at
Christ College. He has no relatives living in the colony: Trooper Acland was
station-owner at Glentanner.
Trooper John William Cananvan has been a farmer at Orari, South Canterbury
Trooper Charles Edward Cholmondeley a son of Archdeacon Cholmondeley, of
Opawa.
Trooper Charles William Ensor has been a sheep farmer, and has relatives
living at Orari, South Canterbury.
Trooper Edward Charles Evans has been a rabbiter at Orari Gorge, Woodbury.
His mother lives at Woodbury.
Trooper Hugh Jowsey is a son of Major Jowsey, commanding the Contingent, and
was for three years a member of the Timaru Rifles.
Trooper James Henderson was a labourer at Orari, South Canterbury, where his
relatives reside.
Trooper Robert McFarlane was a farm hand recently employed By Mr C. M,
Orbell. His mother, Mrs Martha McFarlane, resides at Middlesborough,
Yorkshire.
Trooper Archibald Macintosh was a shepherd, and his relatives live in
Timaru.
Trooper William Nelthorp Moffatt was a contractor and horse-dealer, and was
for six weeks a trooper in the C.Y.C. His father, Mr W. N. Moffat, resides
at Beaconsfield, Timaru.
Trooper David Smith was a shepherd at Waimate, where his relatives live.
Trooper Charles Tillyshort was a blacksmith at Addington, and had been for
seven months a private in the Temuka Rifles. His relatives live at Addington.
Trooper Harold Bennett was born at Pleasant Valley, Geraldine. His father is
a farmer at Fairfield. trooper bennett has been engaged at farming and
station work.
Trooper Hugh Charles Grahame was born at Kempston, Bedfordshire, England,
and his mother resides at Timaru.
Trooper John Gordon Gunn Cooper is a native of Waimate where his parents,
live. He was a farmer and had been a member of the Waimate Rifles for about
a year. He plays the bagpipes, and has won several prizes for bagpipe
playing, and has also played pipe-music at the annual balls of the Waimate
and Hakateramea Caledonian Societies.
Trooper Archibald Coupland was born in Timaru, and his parents now live at
Beaconsfield, his father being an engine-driver. For the past eight years he
has been employed as groom and shepherd on Mr A. S. Elworthy's Holme
Station, Pareora.

Trooper Charles Edward Cross is a native of Christchurch, and is a son of Mr
F, Cross, who for a considerable period was a commercial traveller, but is
how a commission agent. Trooper Cross was educated at the Christchurch Boys
High School, and afterwards went to Akaroa, where he was engaged in station
work. From Akaroa he went to Mr G. J. Black's Island Bay Estate, Akaroa, and
was also, engaged in the Government Survey Camp at the East Cape some years
ago. Just before offering for the Troop, he was engaged as buyer for Mr
Acton-Adam.

Trooper Charles Augustus Wilson, Orderly Room clerk, is a native of Timaru,
but when he was five years of age his parents removed to Waimate, He was
educated at the Waimate District High School, and after leaving school, when
fifteen years of age, he tried various occupations, finally settling down to
learn printing in the office of the local newspaper. He worked there for
five years, and in the meantime studied shorthand with Mr Gilby, of
Christchurch,, and was amongst the first in Canterbury to receive a diploma
from the National Phonographic Society. In 1895, Trooper Wilson started
business on his own account as job printer in Waimate, and shortly after
doing so launched the "Waimate Advertiser,'' first published weekly, and
ultimately three times a week. He edited the "Advertiser" in addition, to
managing the printing business, and in a short time had made a good property
of it. He was for two years a member of the Waimate Rifles. His father is a
contractor, and resides at Waimate; he has also relatives living in Cape,
Colony and in England. He is the eldest of the family.

Sergeant Vincent William O'Farrell is a Victorian by birth and was born at
Ballarat, in which city his father who is dead, was auctioneer. Sergeant
O'Farrell was educated at Geelong College, was at one time a member of the
Ballarat Rangers, and has represented Victoria in intercolonial football
matches. Eighteen mouths before offering for the Troop he came to New
Zealand, and has been engaged at station work in the Waimate district. His
mother and sister at present reside in Perth, West Australia.

Trooper Thomas Rutherfors Tindale was a farm hand, recently in the employ of
the Hon. L. Walker. His mother lives at Temuka.
Trooper Charles Edward Smith was a musterer at Clarence Bridge. His
relatives live at Timaru.
Trooper Charles Frederick Vernall was a groom at Orari. and had been a
private in the Temuka Rifles for a year. His relatives live at Orari.
Trooper
Trooper Thomas Richard Moss was a farm labourer at Winchester, and had been
in the Temuka Rifles for eighteen months. His relatives live at Winchester.
Trumpter David Strachan was a salesman at Timaru, where his relatives
reside. He was trumpter for three years in the C.Y.C. and for four months in
the Timaru City Rifles.
Trooper Cecil Young Ward was a farrier at Waimate, and was for one year in
the Waimate Rifles. His mother resides in Oamaru.
Trooper Albert Charles Cone was a shepherd, employed at Rangiora. His
relatives live at Waitohi Flat. South Canterbury.
Trooper Ernest Hartley Stone was a former at Glentiti near Timaru where his
mother resides.

"For noble deeds as simple duty done,We thank Thee, Lord!"

==============================

During the Boer War period New Zealand Mounted
Rifles
had a left hand facing
collar fern.

Colonist, 24 February 1905, Page 4
MEMORIAL TO FALLEN TROOPERS.
Timaru, February 23,
This afternoon the Governor unveiled the memorial to twenty-seven deceased
troopers of South Canterbury. Mr Craigie, the Mayor, the Hon. W. Hall-Jones
and Archdeacon Harper also spoke. Afterwards the Governor inspected 370
school cadets. The memorial consists of a figure of a trooper, standing at
ease, six feet six inches high, in marble, upon a solid granite die arid
base, lt is ten feet high above the gray stone steps. A suitable inscription
and the names of the 27 dead troopers appear on it.

One day, beloved, do come for me
over the waves of the parting sea.
Past the cross on the shell-torn hill,
Past the memories pale and still,
You, immortal, my hopes fulfil
With the promise of joys to be.
Mother.

Evening Post, 11 November 1905
THE CRY OF THE SLAIN. The following poem, by Lucy Lyttelton in the Spectator,
bears as its motto, "'Many of the bodies of those killed in the Boer War are
being removed to the town cemeteries." It is not without a local application.
Correspondents in our own columns have now protested against a similar practice
in this colony. In one instance this was particularly regrettable, the
resting-place of one of the heroes of the Maori War having been specifically
indicated in a fine passage in Domett's fine poem. The spot was beautiful in the
extreme, and was close to the place where he fell, but the remains were
afterwards transferred to a crowded town cemetery.

What is the cry that breaks in on our sleeping?
Who is it cometh to trouble our rest,
Coming to bear us away to the city,
Crying our graves are apart and unblest
Is not our blood more than oil of anointing,
Bullet-scored rock than the shade of a dome,
More than the fairest of marble engraving
Praise of our country and tears of our home?
Are not the prayers that our comrades prayed o'er us
While the shrill ballet sped fierce on its "way
More than the blessing a stranger can give us,
More than the prayers that unmenaced ye pray?
Leave, us to lie where the bullet hath laid us,
Valley or plain or the stony hillside.
Deep in the trench that our comrades have made us,
Out in the wilds where we suffered and died.

Rally up! rally up! Shamrock and Heather. Nowhere in history you show the white feather,
Kanuck and Cornstalk, shoulders together.

Rally up! rally up! Goorkha and Sikh,
Mahrattas, Cingalese out Indian pick: Day out and day in real dandies to stick.

Rally up! rally up! Tassy and Maoriland, Brothers are calling you; listen to their demand,Accept the proffered chance, stretch out a helping hand.

Old England calls! Again that bugle blast! Stand not ignobly by
; do not forget the past
Strike while the iron's hot, and weld one Empire fast. LITTLE JIMMY (Mr J. McLauchlan) Southland, December 20.

"Play the Game"

Otago Witness, 22 February
1900, Page 66If you're a dandy rider, and you fancy you can stick To the pigskin, when it's strapped round any horse's hide;
If you're only five-and-twenty, and feel in rattling nick The Cape's the place for you (they're wanting scouts to ride),
If a rifle you can handle and hold it fairly straight, And are five-foot-nine or so, and scale at twelve stone eight.

Then play the game For the trumpet's calling, calling " Come away " ;
Calling, calling you to come without delay.

There's a hundred men from Southland wanted soon, and quick,
There's a hundred from Otago wanted too, For the Boars are there in thousands, and are bloomm'
hard to lick
But the good old bull dog breed will see it thro' ; It's coming pretty tough if Oom Paul's to domineer,
But we'll clear the beggar out or bust no fear !

"We'll play the game
For the big, big stalwart drummer bangs away ! Calling, calling, to aid them in the fray!

There are men in kilt and khaki risking life to-day, Horse, Foot, Artillery, and Engineers,
There are chunky lads of sailors who know the game to play, There's cavalry and infantry and fusiliers,
Canadian Rough Riders Australian station blokes Wiring in from daybreak at breaking down their mokes.

They play the game And the dandy Highland piper struts round as large as life,
Calling, calling you to help them in the strife.

Crack regiments from India are swarming to the Cape,
Twenty thousand volunteers from brave Natal, An Army Corps from Britain (tied neatly with red tape)
To hunt the sun-dried Boer from the Transvaal. New Zealand adds her quota little Tassy sends her sons,
And they're doing simply splendid and sticking to their guns.

They play the game
For the bugle call has sounded "Don't delay! "It's not the time for funny jokes blaze away."

We can't all be Highland pipers, for Aye haven't got the build, And only one in ninety-nine can ride,
And to hit the eight-inch bull's eye just takes a man who's skilled: And the Cape won't hold us all !
Some will have to stay outside. But there are ways and means. Have you got a pound to spare?
The widow and the orphan are helpless over there.

Come! play the game,
For the hat is going round to give us all a chance, For the bosom friend of glory's called the ambulance.LITTLE JIMMY. (Elbow Room Estate, Speargrass Flat, Southland)Southland, February 9, 1900.

It is not unknown for the given age to be
increased for one war then decreased for the next e.g. Boer War / WWI.